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Dealers - FAQ

Fantastic website! I'm curious about your views on the concept of card clumping. The theories I've encountered suggest there might be some validity regarding how dealers select cards nowadays, such as prioritizing naturals, followed by breaking combinations, and finally standing hands. This, combined with the inadequate shuffling of multi-deck shoes, could potentially diminish the randomness of the game. This might affect the chances of the dealer busting, which could compromise the effectiveness of Basic Strategy. Keep up the excellent work!

Bob from Hooksett, New Hampshire

While I haven't delved into the research on card clumping, I don't consider it a valid advantage play. I've never met a professional gambler or respected author who acknowledges the significance of card clumping.

What is the typical salary for casino dealers?

Eric from Columbia, USA

For this query, I consulted a friend of mine who's a blackjack dealer in Biloxi. Here's her insight:

Every casino has varying tips, but there's an average range. Most dealers typically earn between $9 and $11 in tips on top of an hourly wage of $4.50 to $5.00. So, I like to estimate our earnings at around $15 per hour. Larger casinos, like the Grand and Beau Rivage, often do even better, with average tips reaching $14, $15, and $16 per hour, bringing their total to nearly $20 per hour when including base pay. Benefits like insurance and a 401(K) are typically provided only for full-time employees, and some casinos automatically promote part-time workers to full-time status after 90 days, while others wait for full-time openings.

As a dealer at Casino Niagara, I'm curious about the likelihood of a dealer completing a hand when the up card is a 5. It seems that my colleagues and I believe we achieve a hand more often than not, and frequently, it's a strong one. Additionally, what are the chances of a dealer having a blackjack with an Ace showing?

John from Niagara Falls, Canada

You are correct! It is indeed more probable that the dealer will end up with a strong hand. Based on my observations, the probabilities regarding the dealer's final count when starting with a 5 as the up card are as follows. This is assuming the dealer stands on a soft 17, which I believe is your strategy. blackjack appendix 2 With 8 decks in play, there are 128 cards valued at 10 in total. Excluding the Ace, we are left with 415 potential cards below the Ace. Therefore, the odds of getting a blackjack stand at 128 out of 415, which computes to approximately 30.84%.

  • 17: 12.23%
  • 18: 12.23%
  • 19: 11.77%
  • 20: 11.31%
  • 21: 10.82%
  • bust: 41.64%

During my recent visit to Las Vegas, a dealer I know mentioned he was 'considering' standing on a 16 against a dealer's 7 because only 5 out of the 8 cards would guarantee a dealer's win. How effective is this strategy?

The analysis reveals the outcome for playing 10 and 6 against a dealer showing a 7. Taking a hit results in an expected loss of 39.6% of the bet, whereas standing results in an anticipated loss of 47.89%. It’s difficult to easily clarify why hitting is the preferable option; you need to account for all possible outcomes, adjust them based on their probabilities, and sum them up. Overall, hitting is the lesser of two suboptimal choices.

Chris from Gaithersburg, Maryland

This would be a bad play. For example, my blackjack appendix 9B I’m curious about the practice of casinos switching dealers. It often seems that when a table is on a winning streak, the casino switches the dealer mid-game, and suddenly, losses mount. Do you believe that certain dealers might give the casino a better edge?

Dealers are often switched out when it's time for breaks or shifts to conclude. Changing dealers doesn't inherently alter player odds unless a player is card counting in single or double-deck games, as a new dealer means a fresh shuffle.

Hobbes from Toronto, Canada

I really enjoy your website! In your blackjack section, while you cover tipping, there’s no mention of suggested amounts. I’m headed to Vegas for the first time in two weeks and had no idea tipping dealers was even customary, let alone what the appropriate amount is. Could you provide some guidance?

There isn't a strict guideline, but I suggest tipping around half of your average bet per hour. Offer more for exceptional service and less if the service isn’t satisfactory.

Sarah from Chicago, USA

Mr. Wizard, I appreciate your website. Recently, while playing blackjack, my friends and I were quite generous with tips, essentially placing tip hands for the dealer. We managed to break even after about an hour. Later that night, I switched to Deuces Wild poker. The dealer from the blackjack table came over to deal, and I offered him tip hands again. I was fortunate enough to hit a Wild Royal for roughly $1600 and then a straight flush for another significant win about 20 minutes later. My question is this: since there was just one deck and I was the sole player, and the dealer shuffled and cut the cards, do you think he might have manipulated the deck due to my generosity?

That was very kind of you to provide tips generously. The Wizard certainly encourages rewarding dealers for good service. I'm almost certain that your wins were simply a matter of chance. If the dealer had the capacity and intention to manipulate the outcome for players, he likely would have solicited a partnership to share the winnings later. I've heard instances where dealers give players who tip well some extra offers, provided they return part of the overpayment. Obviously, I don't condone any form of cheating.

Mike from Jacksonville, USA

I found your insights on tipping quite informative. Could you clarify how one tips at a blackjack table? Where should the tip be placed? When is the right moment to tip, and what amount is appropriate?

Most of the time, players make a bet on behalf of the dealer. This is done by placing the tip on the edge of the betting circle, close to the dealer. You can think of the tip as orbiting your bet, with the betting circle being its path. If you double down, you may or may not double the dealer’s tip as well. If you split your cards, I believe you'll need to place an additional bet for the dealer. Sometimes, when a player decides to leave the table, they may simply leave a tip for the dealer, similar to how you might leave a gratuity at a restaurant.

Brian from Greensburg, U.S.

You’ve previously shown me strategies for being successful in Craps. Thank you! Now, your site is aiding me in learning Blackjack. I have one question: when you have, say, two 5s and wish to double down, you mention putting an additional wager next to your existing bet. How does the dealer determine whether you intend to double down or split? Thanks! Your site is fantastic!

I appreciate your kind words! To address your question, the dealer will simply inquire about your intended action. Normally, all decisions in blackjack need to be clear, except for this specific case. However, if you want to avoid being questioned when it's your turn, simply hold up your index finger to signal that you desire an additional card. Most dealers are familiar with this gesture. Interestingly, I just learned that in Bulgaria, when you want to double down, you place your extra wager behind the original bet, whereas when splitting, you put it next to the original wager.

anonymous

Another reader pointed out that in North Dakota, it's customary

to adhere to the Bulgarian guidelines for doubling and splitting. law Your website is very informative, but I believe it prioritizes minimizing the house edge too highly while not giving enough attention to volatility reduction. Don’t you think players aim to minimize both aspects? Maybe you should put more focus on ensuring the longevity of a player’s bankroll.

While you might prefer a low-volatility game, there are others who may enjoy high-volatility options. I do indicate the standard deviation for most games

anonymous

but that’s about the extent of how I address this issue. I believe players should choose their game based on both volatility and, once the game has begun, consistently apply the right strategy while avoiding hedging their bets. here In a previous column, you mentioned that dealers should be allowed to keep their own tips. I have to disagree with that view. Here’s what typically happens when dealers have the option to 'keep their own,' especially in the Seattle-Tacoma area of Washington. If you are female, you’re likely to do quite well; if you are an Asian male, your chances improve, and if you are an Asian female, you may do even better. However, if you’re a beautiful Asian female, you’ve hit the jackpot! For white males like myself, good luck because you're likely to struggle!! I must contest your claim that 'keeping one's own tips incentivizes better service for everyone's benefit.'

There’s an Asian female dealer at my workplace who consistently earns over $200 in tips nightly. She has achieved this numerous times, while I’ve only managed it once or twice myself. Is she doing something fundamentally different from what I do? I doubt it. In fact, I can confirm that both of us previously worked together at another casino where I supervised the floor and she dealt, and she did nothing particularly special. In fact, she barely interacted with the players at all!

You raise a valid point. However, I could argue that this approach disrupts open market economics by allowing women to subsidize men or Asians to support Caucasians. This is essentially what happens under the tip-sharing system you described. As a fellow white male, I empathize with your situation, but I oppose any institutional bias based on race or gender. Hence, I believe that tip sharing should be voluntary.

anonymous

As a dealer in a small rural casino, I disagree with your stance on tip sharing (

). Here are the reasons why I believe tip sharing would be ineffective in our context: April 4 2004 column A dealer works on the same game for their entire shift, and tipping habits vary significantly depending on the game type. For instance, players of Caribbean Stud and Let it Ride have a reputation for being poor tippers.

  1. Certain shifts generate better tips than others, with approximately 75% of tips being gathered during the swing shift.
  2. Our casino is located near the Canadian border, and if a dealer happens to be assigned to a shift with Canadian players, they might leave work with little or no tips.
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anonymous

This website is fantastic! I'm curious about your perspective on the concept of card clumping. The theories I've encountered suggest that there is sound reasoning behind the way dealers currently choose cards (natural pairs first, then breaks, and lastly standing hands), coupled with the inadequate shuffling of eight-deck shoes which fails to achieve full mathematical randomness. This could potentially decrease the likelihood of a dealer busting, thereby compromising the Basic Strategy odds. Keep up the excellent work!

Although I haven't delved into card clumping myself, I believe it doesn't constitute a valid form of advantage play. I've never met a professional gambler or a respected author who has regarded card clumping as a credible strategy.

What is the average salary for casino dealers?

To answer your question, I consulted a friend who deals blackjack in Biloxi. Here’s her insight: April 4 , May 13 Each casino has its own tipping practices, but there is an overall average. Typically, dealers receive between $9 and $11 in tips, earning an hourly wage of approximately $4.50 to $5.00. I usually estimate our average earnings to be around $15 per hour. However, larger casinos like the Grand and Beau Rivage tend to offer higher rates, with their tips ranging from $14 to $16 per hour, bringing their total earnings close to $20 per hour (including their base pay). Full-time employees receive benefits like health insurance and a 401-K plan; some casinos automatically promote part-time staff after 90 days, while others keep them part-time until full-time slots become available.

As a dealer at Casino Niagara, I'm curious about the likelihood of making a hand when the dealer's up card is a 5. It seems to me, along with my fellow dealers, that we often manage to create a hand, and typically a strong one at that. Additionally, what's the probability of a dealer achieving a blackjack with an ace showing?

You're correct; it's more probable that the dealer will form a solid hand. Based on my calculations,

anonymous

Thanks for your comments.

the statistics indicate the dealer's final total when the up card is a 5. This assumes that the dealer stands on a soft 17, which I believe is your practice. April 4, 2004 column With eight decks involved, there are a total of 128 ten-point cards. When excluding the ace, there are 415 potential cards that could appear under the ace. Therefore, the probability of hitting a blackjack is calculated as 128 out of 415, which equals approximately 30.84%.

anonymous

Mike, during my most recent visit to Las Vegas, a dealer I have gotten to know mentioned he was considering the strategy of standing on a 16 against a dealer's 7, because only 5 out of the 8 remaining cards would allow the dealer to automatically win. What is your take on this approach?

This illustrates the outcomes by playing 10 and 6 against a dealer's 7. If you hit, you could expect to lose 39.6% of your bet. Meanwhile, standing presents a higher anticipated loss of 47.89%. I can't provide a simple explanation as to why hitting is a preferable option; you have to evaluate all potential scenarios, assign probabilities, and calculate the overall outcome. In general, hitting turns out to be the better of the two unfavorable choices.

Janice

I'm curious about the casino's routine of changing dealers. It appears that whenever a table is on a winning streak, they frequently change the dealer mid-shoe. Subsequently, everybody tends to start losing. Do you believe that certain dealers might sway the odds more in the casino’s favor?

Casinos normally rotate dealers when it's time for a break or closing shift. Altering dealers doesn't affect the odds for players unless someone is counting cards in a single or double-deck game, as a new dealer requires a fresh shuffle.

anonymous

I really appreciate your website! In the blackjack section, you mention tipping, but you don't provide any guidelines on how much to tip. I will be visiting Vegas for the first time in about two weeks, and I had no idea that tipping dealers was expected, much less how much I should give. Can you share your suggestions for appropriate tip amounts?

There's no strict guideline, but I would advise tipping around half of your average wager per hour. You could tip more for exceptional service and less for poor experiences.

anonymous

Mr. Wizard, I think your website is fantastic. Recently, while playing blackjack, my friends and I decided to be generous and placed tip hands for the dealer. After an hour, we ended up breaking even. Later that night, I was playing Deuces Wild poker, and the dealer from the blackjack table came over to deal. I continued to place tip hands for him again, and I ended up hitting a Wild Royal for about $1,600, and then a straight flush for another sizable win about 20 minutes later. My question is, since there was only one deck and I was the sole player with the dealer shuffling and cutting the cards, do you think he may have manipulated the deck because I tipped him well?

It was thoughtful of you to tip generously. The Wizard definitely advocates for tipping dealers who provide excellent service. I'm almost certain that you simply experienced good luck. If the dealer had the ability and intent to cheat for players, he likely would have orchestrated it with a partner to share the winnings later. I've heard anecdotes about dealers who might overpay players who tip well, as long as those players consistently returned a portion of the excess. However, I don't condone any cheating.

  1. I found your tips on tipping quite useful. I'm curious about the actual mechanics of tipping at a blackjack table. Where should I place the tip, when is the right time to give it, and how much should it be?
  2. Typically, players will make a bet on behalf of the dealer by placing the tip on the edge of the betting circle, close to the dealer's position. You can visualize the tip like an orbit surrounding your wager, where the betting circle is its path. If you decide to double down, you might choose to double the amount of the dealer's tip as well. When splitting, you should place an additional bet for the dealer too. Occasionally, when a player leaves the table, they might just leave a tip for the dealer, similar to dining in a restaurant.
  3. You've already taught me how to profit while playing Craps. Thanks! Now, your site is guiding me through the nuances of Blackjack. One question I have is, when I have two 5s and wish to Double Down, you mentioned placing an extra wager beside my initial bet. How does the dealer distinguish that from a Split? Thank you! Your site is awesome!


I appreciate your kind words. To address your inquiry, the dealer will simply ask for clarification on your decision. Though most actions in blackjack are required to be visible, this is an exception. If you'd prefer to avoid queries when it's your turn, just raise your index finger to indicate you want an additional card. Most dealers are familiar with this signal. Coincidentally, I recently discovered that in Bulgaria, when one wants to double down, they place the additional bet behind the original stake, and for splitting, the new bet goes next to the original.

Nathan W.

Another reader shared that in North Dakota, it is customary to

  • adhere to the Bulgarian rules for doubling and splitting.
  • Your website is excellent, but I believe it places too much emphasis on reducing the house edge without enough focus on minimizing volatility. Don't you think players are aiming to minimize both? Perhaps you should highlight the importance of bankroll longevity more.

  • Note: See my Jan. 9 column While some players may prefer low-volatility games, others might enjoy high-volatility options. I do mention the standard deviation for most games,

    but that's as deep as I intend to delve into that aspect. I think players should select their games partially based on volatility, but once they start playing, they should always stick to the optimal strategy and refrain from hedging their bets.

    Hayward D.

    In a previous article, you expressed that dealers should be allowed to keep their tips. I have to respectfully disagree with your stance. Here's what usually occurs when dealers are permitted to retain their own tips, at least in the Seattle-Tacoma area of Washington. If you're a female, you tend to earn well; if you're an Asian male, you’ll also do fairly well; if you're an Asian female, your earnings will likely be even better; and if you're a stunning Asian female, you've struck gold! However, if you're a white male like me, well, you're going to face some challenges! Therefore, I must disagree with your assertion that 'keeping one's own tips encourages great service, benefiting everyone.' December 27, 2004 column.

    I happen to know an Asian female dealer who routinely earns $200 or more in tips each night. She has achieved this numerous times. I've only managed this once or twice myself. Is she doing something radically different from what I do? I doubt it. In fact, I know that we both worked at a different casino where I served as a floor supervisor and she was a dealer. In our current casino, she hasn’t employed any special techniques. As a matter of fact, she hardly interacts with the players at all!

    anonymous

    You raise a valid argument. However, I could counter by saying that it contradicts the principles of open market economics to have women subsidizing men or Asians subsidizing Caucasians, which is what's happening through tip sharing, according to your own argument. While I can empathize with your situation as a fellow white male, I oppose any form of institutionalized bias based on race or gender. Therefore, I believe tip sharing should remain a voluntary practice.

    As a dealer in a small rural casino, I must express my disagreement with your views on tip sharing. The reasons I believe it wouldn't work in our environment are as follows:

    anonymous

    Here in Vegas, yes you can.

    A dealer typically handles the same game for an entire shift. There’s a significant variation in how players tip depending on the game being played. For instance, players of Caribbean Stud and Let it Ride tend to provide very little in the way of tips. 4-card poker Certain shifts yield better tips than others, with approximately 75% of earnings coming during the swing shift.

    Tim from Cleveland

    Our casino is positioned near the Canadian border, and if a dealer finds themselves dealing with Canadian players during their shift, they might leave for the day without earning anything.

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    Werner

    Calculator for estimating lottery jackpot ticket sales. blackjack appendix 9 Participate in exciting slot tournaments with huge prize pools.

    Stand: -0.114085
    Hit: + 0.113365
    Double: + 0.092929
    Split: +0.207228 (double after split allowed)
    Split: + 0.056954 (double after split not allowed)

    Fantastic website! I'm curious about your opinions on the concept of card clumping. The theories I've encountered appear to hold some validity regarding the current techniques dealers use to handle cards (naturals first, followed by breaks, and then standing hands), along with the inadequate shuffling of 8-deck shoes, which doesn't yield a fully random outcome mathematically. This might result in a lowered chance of the dealer busting, thereby affecting the Basic Strategy probabilities. Keep up the excellent work!

    Paul from Kent, Washington

    Although I haven't delved into card clumping myself, I must say that I don't regard it as a genuine advantage play. I've never encountered a professional gambler or reputable author who has taken card clumping seriously.

    What is the typical salary for casino dealers?

    Mike from Vegas

    For this inquiry, I consulted a friend of mine who deals blackjack in Biloxi, and she shared the following information:

    While each casino has its own tip structures, there's a general average to consider. Most dealers can expect to earn between $9 and $11 in tips, with an hourly wage ranging from $4.50 to $5.00. Therefore, I tend to estimate an average of around $15 per hour. However, larger casinos like the Grand and Beau Rivage tend to have higher rates, with tips ranging from $14 to $16 per hour, allowing them to approach $20 per hour when including their base pay. Health benefits (like insurance and 401-K) are typically awarded only to full-time employees, and some casinos automatically promote part-timers to full-time after 90 days, while others keep them part-time until positions become available.

    Mark S from Sault Ste. Marie

    As a dealer at Casino Niagara, I'm curious about the likelihood of a dealer successfully making a hand when the upcard is a 5. It seems to me, and my fellow dealers share this sentiment, that we tend to make a hand more often than not, and usually a strong one at that. Additionally, what are the chances of a dealer having a blackjack when their upcard is an ace?

    You're absolutely right; the chances of the dealer achieving a firm hand are higher. Based on my observations, I calculated the probabilities of the dealer's final total when they have a 5 showing. This is under the assumption that the dealer stands on soft 17, which I believe is your practice.

    Wins Probability
    70 0.000039
    69 0.000092
    68 0.000204
    67 0.000437
    66 0.000895
    65 0.001759
    64 0.003319
    63 0.006016
    62 0.010489
    61 0.0176
    60 0.028444
    59 0.044313
    58 0.066605
    57 0.096674
    56 0.135627
    55 0.184101
    54 0.242059
    53 0.30865
    52 0.382177
    51 0.460205
    50 0.539795

    With 8 decks in play, there are 16 sets of 10-point cards, totaling 128 in the entire deck. If we exclude the ace, the remaining count becomes 52*8-1=415 possible cards under the ace. Hence, the chance of a blackjack occurring is 128/415, which is approximately 30.84%.

    Tim from Madison, WI

    During my last visit to Vegas, a dealer friend mentioned he was considering the strategy of standing on a 16 against a dealer's 7, reasoning that merely 5 out of 8 cards guarantee a win for the dealer. How effective is this approach?

    Based on statistical insights, playing 10 and 6 against a dealer's 7 yields returns for both strategies. Hitting carries an expected loss of 39.6% of the wager, while standing results in a higher expected loss of 47.89%. There isn't a straightforward way to explain why hitting is the superior option; instead, you need to weigh every possible outcome by its likelihood and sum them up. Ultimately, hitting is the better choice between two undesirable options.

    In your recent Ask the Wizard column ( 169 I’m curious about the casino's routine of changing dealers. It often seems to occur when a table is on a winning roll, and suddenly the casino replaces the dealer mid-shoe. Almost immediately, players end up losing. Do you think certain dealers have a larger influence on the game's outcome?

    Jarrod from Sydney

    Casinos change dealers primarily when it's time for them to take breaks or wrap up their shifts. The odds facing players remain unchanged by dealer substitutions unless the player is counting cards and the game utilizes single- or double-deck methods, which necessitate a new shuffle.

    I appreciate your website! In your blackjack section, while you touch on the topic of tipping, you don’t specify an amount. I'm heading to Vegas for the first time in about two weeks, and I wasn't even aware that tipping dealers was a thing, let alone how much to tip. Do you have any suggestions?

    Jarrod from Sydney

    There isn’t a strict rule, but I recommend tipping around half of your average wager per hour. You can give more for excellent service or less if the service is lacking.

    Mr. Wizard, I really enjoy your website. Recently, while playing blackjack, my friends and I generously tipped the dealer by placing tip hands for him. After an hour, we broke even. Later on, I played Deuces Wild poker, and the same dealer came over to host, and I tipped him again. I ended up hitting a Wild Royal for about $1600, and just 20 minutes later I scored a straight flush for another substantial win. My question is, given that there was only one deck and I was the sole player while the dealer shuffled and cut the cards himself, do you think he set the deck up because of my generous tipping?

    John from Austin

    That was very kind of you to tip so well. The Wizard definitely advocates for tipping dealers who provide good service. I’m pretty confident you were just lucky. If the dealer could manipulate the game for personal advantage, he likely would have arranged for an accomplice to take the larger wins, and they would share the profits later. I've heard tales of dealers who overpay players who tip generously, provided those players continue to give a portion of the excess back. Of course, I do not approve of any sort of cheating.

    I found your tips on tipping insightful. Could you clarify how one should go about tipping at a blackjack table? Where should the tip be placed, when is the right time to tip, and how much should be given?

    Larry C. from Daly City

    My Typically, players place a bet on behalf of the dealer by setting the tip at the edge of the betting circle, close to the dealer. You might visualize the tip as orbiting around your bet, with the betting circle serving as the orbital path. If you double down, you may choose to also double the dealer’s tip. When splitting, you'll have to make another bet for the dealer as well. Occasionally, a player may decide to simply leave a tip for the dealer when vacating the table, similar to leaving a tip at a restaurant. You've already taught me how to make a profit while playing Craps. I'm grateful! Now, your site is also helping with my blackjack skills. One question: if you have two 5s and want to double down, you're instructed to place an extra wager next to your initial bet. How does the dealer recognize that you don't intend to split instead? Thanks! Your website is incredible!

    I appreciate your kind words! To address your concern, the dealer will simply ask you how you would like to proceed. While most decisions in blackjack are meant to be visible, this is a rare exception. However, if you'd rather not be asked during your turn, you can signal your intent for one additional card by raising your index finger. Many dealers are familiar with this gesture. Interestingly, just yesterday, I learned that in Bulgaria, to indicate you'd like to double, you place your extra bet behind the original stake, while to split, it's placed next to the original.

    anonymous

    Another reader mentioned that in North Dakota, it is the state

    to adhere to the Bulgarian guidelines for doubling and splitting.

    Your website is excellent, but I feel it focuses too much on reducing the house edge while not enough on addressing volatility. Don’t you think players aim to minimize both? Perhaps you should prioritize bankroll longevity more.

    Jim Y. from Downey, CA

    While you might prefer a low-volatility game, others may opt for a higher volatility experience. I do provide the standard deviation for most games

    but that's about the extent of my focus on that aspect. I believe gamblers should select games partly based on volatility but, once they are in the game, they should strictly follow the appropriate strategies and refrain from hedging their bets.

    David from New York City

    In a previous article, you expressed the belief that dealers should retain their own tips. I must strongly disagree with this opinion. Here's what typically occurs when dealers in Washington, particularly around the Seattle-Tacoma area, are permitted to keep their tips: if you're a woman, you'll likely do quite well; Asian males also perform favorably, while Asian females tend to do even better; and if you're an attractive Asian female, you've hit the jackpot! However, if you happen to be a white male like me, best of luck because you’re going to need it! Therefore, I must contest your assertion that allowing one to keep their tips incentivizes good service, benefiting everyone.

    I know an Asian female dealer at my workplace who consistently earns $200 or more in tips each night, having achieved this numerous times. I’ve only done it once or twice. Is she performing so differently than I am? I hardly think so! In fact, I can confirm that we both previously worked at another casino where I was a floor supervisor, and she dealt, and her service there was nothing out of the ordinary. She hardly spoke to the players at all!

    Al from Melbourne, Australia

    You raise an interesting point. However, I could counterargue that it goes against the principles of open market economics to have certain individuals benefiting at the expense of others based on gender or ethnicity. This dynamic is essentially what occurs through tip sharing, as you've indicated. As a fellow white male, I empathize with your situation, but I'm also opposed to institutionalized bias based on race or gender. Thus, I believe tip sharing should remain a voluntary option.

    I work as a dealer at a small rural casino and do not agree with your stance on the tip-sharing debate. The reasons why tip-sharing would fail here are as follows:

    Ron from State College

    A dealer maintains the same game throughout their entire shift, but players have a wide range of tipping behaviors depending on the type of game being played. For instance, players of Caribbean Stud or Let it Ride are known for being poor tippers.

    Certain shifts yield better tips than others, with approximately 75% of the tips generated during the swing shift.

    John G from Reno, NV

    I don’t play much poker, so had to ask David Matthews Our casino's proximity to the Canadian border means that if a dealer ends up with a table full of Canadian players for their shift, they could go home without earning a single tip that day.

    Dealers who cultivate good relationships with pit bosses tend to be assigned to more favorable games and shifts.

    Additionally, I take issue with the notion of referring to tip sharing as \"institutionalized favoritism.\" If dealers partake in tip sharing, it ensures that each dealer earns the same amount for the same hours worked. Consequently, I believe that tip sharing mitigates institutionalized favoritism instead of perpetuating it, contrary to your claims. If individuals were allowed to keep their own tips, it could result in a scenario where a more attractive woman earns more solely based on her looks rather than merit. This would indeed create a system of institutionalized favoritism.

    I appreciate your input; however, I firmly believe that participation in tip sharing should be a choice. While it may seem unjust that attractive women receive higher tips, this is simply a reflection of market dynamics. I contend that a beautiful female dealer inherently provides a superior experience to patrons merely by being pleasant to look at. I define institutionalized favoritism as a system where an organization (like the casino) redistributes money from one demographic to another. Players may tip inconsistently, but as long as their choices are voluntary, it doesn't constitute institutional favoritism but rather voluntary discrimination.

    In your casino, if tip sharing were left to the discretion of the dealers, I would anticipate that only those men who don't have a good rapport with management would opt for the pool. If the casino fails to manage dealer rotation and equality effectively, some dealers might resign, compelling the casino to address the situation. This could also inadvertently create a workforce that skews more towards women, though that might not necessarily be a negative outcome. After all, men often have advantages in other fields, like jobs requiring physical strength.

    How much do casino dealers make?

    Larry from Las Vegas

    Having studied economics, as I have, it’s difficult not to hold a sincere appreciation for free-market principles. Tip sharing resembles a form of socialism, which may benefit certain individuals, but ultimately, it leads to a decline in overall public service quality due to the lack of motivating factors. minimum wage As a pit boss at an Indian Casino located in Northern California, I’ve been actively following the dialogue surrounding tip sharing versus keeping your own tips. From my observations, dealers overwhelmingly prefer the 'go for your own' approach. In fact, our casino operates on this model, attracting dealers from all over the state and even from other parts of the country, primarily due to our proximity to the Bay Area. Even individuals from larger casinos like Thunder Valley and Cache Creek near Sacramento are vying for positions here because we do not pool tips. I witnessed a similar situation at another Northern California casino that was less appealing than my current one, where nearly a revolt occurred when discussions of adopting a pooled system arose.


    Average Tips — November 2008

    Property Avg. Tips
    Wynn $263
    Hard Rock $203
    MGM $158
    Green Valley Ranch $156
    Harrah's $129
    Sunset Station $125
    Bill's $123
    Planet Hollywood $118
    South Point $113
    Monte Carlo $111
    Sahara $66
    Stratosphere $65


    In Scottsdale, the most sought-after casino currently operates on a 'go for your own' basis with over 100 gaming tables. The dealers working there consistently earn several hundred dollars daily, making it a prime destination for job seekers from across the nation.

    I’ve noticed that the only dealers who seem to yearn for a pooled system are often those who may lack charisma or proficiency in dealing. The only way they can see any financial gain is through pooling tips. For the record, the highest earners at the establishments I have worked at are consistently men, and they are not always the most conventionally handsome. While some of the more attractive women do earn significant tips with minimal effort, the most successful dealers tend to be captivating personalities who deliver a swift and quality game.

    Daniel from Philadelphia

    I am a dealer at a non-tribal casino in the picturesque state of Washington. After coming across comments about tip sharing, I felt compelled to share my perspective. I work for a casino that allows me to keep my own tips, and I wouldn't trade that system for anything. I'm not an attractive Asian female—I am a Caucasian male with Friday nights off, and while I sometimes miss out on the better tables, I consistently earn over $900 per week in tips. At the tribal casino where I first trained to deal, tips were pooled. After spending just over three months there, I became frustrated with having to divide my hard-earned tips with a colleague who didn’t contribute much to the experience. I advocate for keeping my own earnings, ensuring that my efforts are recognized. This also pushes me to perform at my best since I can't afford a lackluster day at work. I strive to maintain a positive demeanor and professionalism, benefiting not only myself but also the casino and the patrons. I have little interest in whether a pooled establishment boasts a tip rate of $50 per hour; I refuse to share my tips again. My advice to any struggling dealers out there—regardless of gender or background—is to focus each day on becoming the best dealer you can be, without stressing over how much is going into your tip box. Yes, there will be times you don’t receive any tips, but what matters is consistently providing excellent service, which will undoubtedly reflect positively when you cash out at the end of your shift.30Thank you for your insights. I suspected that the other dealer may have exaggerated the impact of race and gender on tipping.

    Recently, I visited Casino Niagara in Canada and played a game of blackjack with a table full of players. The game unfolded as usual, and I stood firm on my 17. The dealer displayed an 8 and turned over her hidden card, revealing a ten, totaling 18. Remarkably, she then hit on her 18 by mistake, drawing a Jack and busting. I felt that this should have either been a misdeal or a push for everyone involved. However, the dealer dismissed that notion, claiming it was valid under house rules, which state that the dealer must stand on 17 and above while hitting on 16 and below. I disagreed with her ruling, and when the pit boss came over, he confirmed the dealer's decision, stating I had lost my bet. I would appreciate your expert opinion on this matter, as I am convinced the call was incorrect, especially since it involved a significant wager, and perhaps my disappointment is influencing my perspective.

    I support the casino's call. The established rules dictate that the dealer must stand on 18. The dealer has no discretion in this situation; once the dealer reaches 18, that stands firm. Drawing an additional card does not change the dealer's established total, and thus the card was correctly discarded. Some casinos, particularly those using one or two decks, may reshuffle in similar scenarios.

    Shawn D. from Pittsburgh, PA

    I asked the Bone Man of NextShooter.com My question stems from my own observations combined with some rumors I've heard. If it's indeed true that Las Vegas dealers learn to spin and roll the ball uniformly during their training, could it also be true that by observing a dealer’s spin, one could predict the quadrant on the wheel where the ball might land?

    No, dealers are trained only in the basics, and nothing nearly as sophisticated. In actuality, if a dealer had that level of control, they could simply have an accomplice place bets where they anticipate the ball will land, potentially making a fortune.

    John G. from Reno

    What would motivate a dealer to report a player they suspect of card counting? Why would a dealer concern themselves with whether a player is counting cards? Wouldn’t that mean more substantial tips for them?

    That's a great question. If the counter is tipping the dealer, then the dealer faces a choice: keep silent and enjoy the larger tips or report the player to curry favor with the casino management. Ultimately, it often comes down to the dealer's personal attitude—whether they are aligned with the player or the casino's interests. Dealers who prioritize their allegiance to the casino may be more inclined to report and tipping may not influence their decision. Since tips are shared, the dealer receiving the tip might only see around 1% of it. If a dealer is discontent with tip sharing, tipping them might not yield much advantage. I believe that dealers who are more aligned with the casino are likely to be women, with Asians comprising a notable portion of that group over other demographics. A blackjack book I referenced delves deeper into this, although I can't recall the title. The topic of tipping is hotly debated within the card counting community, with many following the philosophy of only tipping if the potential cover it provides is more valuable than the tip itself. This has led to the quip that the difference between a card counter and a canoe is that the canoe sometimes tips. Many counters, however, opt to tip regardless of its potential cover value because they believe in the principle of tipping.

    I have three inquiries related to etiquette and ethics.

    pacomartin

    If a blackjack dealer makes a mistake that works in your favor, do you point it out? Should you tip?

    What are the etiquette norms for challenging a dealer when you believe they've made an error that benefits the house at your expense?

    If you mistakenly challenge a dealer, is it expected that you offer more than just an apology?

    All three situations have occurred to me in the past month. Being a casual bettor, the adjustment of a win or loss does not hold much significance for me, as I prefer not to put the dealer's job at risk. Wizard of Vegas .

    This question requires a careful approach. Personally, I usually remain silent. I once witnessed a fellow player correct the dealer for an overpayment in Atlantic City, yet neither the dealer nor the pit boss expressed gratitude for the player's honesty. If the casino doesn't seem to value such integrity, why should I? I also consider accurate payment to be part of the game. As for tipping, I generally refrain. At times, dishonest dealers may deliberately overpay players in hopes of receiving tips in return. This practice is highly illegal; in Nevada, they treat cheating as a crime comparable to bank robbery. I wouldn’t want anyone, including the dealer, to interpret my silence as collusion in a scheme to exchange tips for overlooking a mistake. Moreover, it’s worth noting that should a dealer make an error, they will need to involve the pit boss to confess. Everyone can make mistakes, but if a dealer has a reputation for frequent errors, it may jeopardize their position.

    ItsCalledSoccer

    When a mistake favors the house, it’s crucial to notify the dealer as promptly as possible. There’s no need to make a scene—just address the error courteously.

    It can be quite uncomfortable to call out a dealer, only to find that the cards confirm the dealer's correctness. In such instances, a simple apology is all that is necessary.

    I await a dealer's response to this query.

    I must express my disagreement with the notion that sharing tips among dealers constitutes 'institutionalized favoritism.' When tips are shared, it ensures that every dealer is compensated equally for the work they contribute each hour. In my view, this practice actually minimizes institutionalized favoritism, contrary to your claims. If individuals retained their own tips, it could lead to a situation where an attractive woman earns significantly more than a colleague in the same role, simply based on her looks. This scenario would clearly represent a form of institutionalized favoritism.

    I appreciate your insights, but I maintain that tip sharing should be a voluntary choice. The fact that more attractive women receive larger tips may seem unjust, yet it reflects the realities of a free market system. I contend that a beautiful female dealer provides enhanced service simply by being visually appealing to customers. I view institutionalized favoritism as a practice where a business (like a casino) redistributes funds from one demographic to another. While players may not always tip equitably, if their decisions are made freely, then it represents voluntary favoritism, not an institutional one.

    In your casino's case, if the option to share tips were available, I predict that only those male dealers who are not on good terms with management would decide to participate in the pooling system. Should the casino fail to ensure equal treatment and better rotation of dealers, it could lead to some dealers leaving their positions, prompting the casino to take corrective measures. This might also result in a workforce that skews more toward female dealers due to attrition, but that's not necessarily a negative outcome. Men may have advantages in other professions, such as tasks requiring physical strength.

    Having studied economics extensively, I have come to appreciate the principles of free enterprise. I believe that tip sharing resembles a form of socialism, which may benefit select individuals but, overall, leads to diminished quality of public service due to lack of proper motivation.

    In my role as a pit boss at an Indian Casino in Northern California, I have been closely observing the ongoing debate regarding tip sharing versus keeping your own tips. Based on my observations, dealers significantly favor the keep-your-own approach. Thanks to this policy, we attract dealers from across the state—and even the country—eager to work here, primarily due to our proximity to the Bay Area. There are even dealers from much larger casinos like Thunder Valley and Cache Creek seeking employment here because we do not have a pooling system. I witnessed a similar situation at another, less desirable Northern California casino; discussions about implementing a pooled system nearly sparked a rebellion among the dealers.

    All three situations have occurred to me in the past month. Being a casual bettor, the adjustment of a win or loss does not hold much significance for me, as I prefer not to put the dealer's job at risk. Wizard of Vegas .